BMW M5 versus Mercedes E63 AMG at Dunsfold

James likes it. Stig likes it. But how does the new BMW M5 stack up to Merc's E63 AMG?

Bumpers
and spoilers aside, the M5 sports no bodywork changes aside from a shift to
aluminium instead of steel for some of the panels. The word to bear in mind
here is ‘understated’. M5 owners don’t want to attract stares – a simple sense
of muscular purpose is what’s desired. The Merc? Well, that tries a bit harder
visually, with extra brightwork and more defined lines.

The
E63 also has some truly exceptional touchpoints inside – really deep seats that
clench your ribs and Alcanatara inserts on the steering wheel. You sit in it and know that something special is about to
happen.